A growing movement is calling for an economic boycott on February 28. Consumers are urged to stop all spending for 24 hours to protest corporations’ scaling back of DEI initiatives. The “Economic Blackout,” spearheaded by grassroots organizations and faith leaders, wants to disrupt the economic order and send a powerful message to businesses and policymakers.
The People’s Union, a consumer-activist group founded by John Schwarz, has launched a campaign encouraging Americans to boycott both online and in-store purchases for the day. Participants are asked to avoid using debit and credit cards, purchasing gas, or spending money on non-essential goods and services.
The movement is a response to corporations and businesses following President Donald Trump’s lead in dismantling DEI programs that were designed to create opportunities and equity in the workplace. Many activists see these rollbacks as an attack on progress made in ensuring workplace fairness, representation, and racial equity.
The People’s Union, in a statement, emphasized that the boycott is not tied to any political party but is a movement of individuals coming together to challenge corporate greed, government corruption, and economic exploitation.
According to the group, corporations prioritize profits over people, suppress wages, and contribute to the economic struggles of marginalized communities. This one-day spending freeze is just the beginning of their plan to reform the economic system from the ground up.
Faith leaders and community organizers have also stepped forward to amplify the message, stressing the importance of economic discipline as a tool for change.
According to studies, Black Americans contribute over $1.6 trillion in annual spending power, placing them among the top economies in the world. A coordinated pause in economic activity could force businesses to recognize the impact of their decisions
“If you can’t hold it for 24 hours, you don’t have no discipline,” Rev. Dr. Trunell D. Felder, Senior Pastor of New Faith Baptist Church International in Matteson, Illinois, said during a recent Sunday service. “They can take anything from us. We are Black folk. I believe we are the 12th wealthiest economy in the world. Our buying power is 12th. Out of all of these nations, all the banks we use on discretionary income to buy designer stuff—we can’t spare for people who won’t let us work with them.”
“Somebody say February 28th. Say ‘blackout’ for 24 hours. Don’t buy nothing. Don’t buy no gas. Don’t buy no food. Don’t use your debit card. Don’t use your credit card. Don’t buy anything out,” Rev. Felder challenged his congregation. “Eat you some ramen noodles. If you can’t hold it for 24 hours, you don’t have no discipline.”
“They don’t understand speeches. They understand dollars. They understand that when you say, ‘Oh! I don’t have to give you money. I don’t have to give you my money.’ I’ve decided to give you my money,” Rev. Felder added.
While this one-day boycott is meant to be a wake-up call, organizers hint at future actions that could extend beyond a single day.
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